Thousands take part in protest against the Government's abortion legislation

Thousands of people took part in the 'National Vigil for Life' on Saturday on Merrion Square, Dublin to protest against the Government’s abortion legislation. Organisers said they are ‘massively encouraged’ by the turnout.

The Vigil is the first such event to take place since the Government’s “Protection of Life During Pregnancy” Act legalised direct abortion in Ireland.

Pro Life Campaign legal consultant, Caroline Simons said: “After last year’s setback, we had no idea how many people would turnout today. We realise it’s going to be a difficult road back but we are massively encouraged that so many people are ready to get on board at this stage to help turn things around.”

In her address to the vigil, Ms Simons said: “Senior members of Fine Gael assured their backbench TDs that once the abortion bill passed through the Dáil they would have nothing to worry about because the pro-life movement would be crushed and beaten. How wrong they were. Your presence here today is proof that we are wasting no time in starting to rebuild. It’s going to take time, but when the public comes to realise the full horror of what the new legislation involves support for the repeal of the law will gather pace.”

Other speakers who addressed the crowd included the Pro Life Campaign’s Deputy Chairperson, Cora Sherlock, Lynn Coles from Women Hurt and Jennifer Kehoe, mother of a child diagnosed before birth with a life-shortening condition.

A video message about abortion from Julia Holcomb, former girlfriend of Aerosmith singer, Steve Tyler, was also played, as was a video about media bias called “Hear Both Sides".